Surgical complications of the Le Fort I osteotomy--a retrospective review of 146 cases.

A retrospective review of 146 cases with Le Fort I osteotomy performed between 1981 and 1990 is presented. A complication of 6.1% was recorded. These complications include intraoperative hemorrhage, trigeminal nerve injury, oronasal fistula and dental injury. Although the Le Fort I osteotomy has proven to be relatively safe, improvements in technique will further reduce the incidence and the severity of complications.